Bell Island: Dawn of First Light

The history of Bell Island, Newfoundland, is an amazing one of a strong and courageous people who overcame the challenge of creating a community exposed to the mighty North Atlantic Ocean. Bell Island: Dawn of First Light covers the first permanent European settlers who were attracted to the rich soil of the island and to the fish in the surrounding waters. It outlines the accidental discovery of iron ore, the growth of the mining operations to become the largest submarine mine in the Commonwealth, labour unrest and the formation of a union, the factors that led to the mine's closure, and the tragic impact this would have on the residents. This is also the story of the equally determined women who fashioned the family home in both good and bad economic times.

The mission of this Historic series is to bring to light the ageless character of Newfoundland and Labrador communities in an effort to preserve the history of this province and to educate future generations about this corner of the global village. Bell Island: Dawn of First Light is the second instalment in this series.

Nath W. Sheppard was born, raised and educated on Bell Island. After attending Memorial University of Newfoundland, he began his teaching career at Jackson Memorial on the island. After leaving Bell Island, Nath served as department head in social studies at several junior high schools in St. John's and Mount Pearl. Throughout his 30 years, Mr. Sheppard was actively involved with the Social Studies Council of the Newfoundland & Labrador Teachers Association for which he was awarded the prestigious Barnes Award for his work in the professional development of fellow teachers. During his career, he wrote several curriculum units for teaching the history of the province.

While living on Bell Island, Nath was actively involved in many area of community life. He became President of the Wabana Boys and Girls Club; President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Council, and member of the National Board of Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. For the past several years, he has served on the executive of the Alumni Association of Memorial University.

Since retiring, Mr. Sheppard has worked part-time in the tourist industry; developed curriculum for national and international organizations in the education field; curled in the winter time, and done some travelling.

He is married to Maureen (Deveraux) Sheppard, formerly of Logy Bay.